Sometimes I Wonder if I Live in a Giant Looney Bin

Texas immigration law proposal. What are these morons thinking? They'd like to set up a new class of "legal" illegal immigrants.

My lawyer once told me that there was a misprint in the Texas Constitution. Instead of meeting for 20 weeks every two years, the legislature is really supposed to meet for two days every 20 years. If we make this correction, we won't have to put up with morons like this.

The World's Oldest Central Bank May Be the Most Innovative

The Riksbank charges banks to keep reserves there. This is taking zero interest rates one step further. The intent was to send " a powerful signal to the market that the Riksbank intended to keep rates close to zero until economic recovery was well under way." The result from the Financial Times: Sweden registered its fastest quarterly economic growth on record in the last three months of last year, burnishing its status as Europe’s best-performing economy. The forecast-beating 7.3 per cent year-on-year expansion looked sure to increase pressure on the country’s central bank to raise interest rates further amid concern over possible overheating.

For reference, the last estimate of annual growth for the US was 2.8%.

This Is Why Ron Paul's Ideas Can Gain Traction

Simon Johnson on bank capital.

Clear and Present Danger

If you'd like a clear, concise description of the current economy--where we've been, how far we've come and why we stand at a crucial point in recovery, read this post by Paul Krugman. Oh, and you'll also see why the proposals by Congressional Republicans threaten to send us back two steps.

OK Mr. President--Time to Suck It Up and Get Tough

Americans overwhelmingly oppose the policies proposed by Congressional Republicans. Time to stop acting wimpy and stand up for what's right. No more rule by the loud minority.

Faux News from Wisconsin

Fox video on violence in Wisconsin. Notice the palm trees in the background. Some have suggested that this refutes Fox News views on climate change.

In Texas the Long Run Doesn't Look any Better.

We either pay for what we need with higher taxes, or watch the state go down the tubes. The chief revenue estimate for the State Comptroller (a Republican appointee) gave the bad news to the legislature.

Texas Is a Great Place to Retire--But It's a Lousy Place to Be a Kid

The Texas miracle is that we elect people like Rick Perry.

Surprise! Wisconsin Governor Walker Has a Union Busting Past

And it cost the taxpayers plenty. He's lied before (when he was Milwaukee County Executive) about contrived budget crises in an attempt to bust unions.

It's Because They're not on Drugs, Escaping from Rehab, Etc.

Lack of news on Wisconsin protests.